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Putin’s visit follows President Trump’s summit with Xi last week, underscoring China’s growing influence in global conflicts. Both the US and Russia have recently sought Beijing’s help — the US on Iran, and Russia on Ukraine.For Putin, the timing is important as Russian forces face slow progress on the battlefield, high casualties, and increasing Ukrainian strikes inside Russia.While the war continues with no clear end in sight, Putin shows no signs of rethinking his goals in Ukraine. The Beijing summit allows him to project strength and partnership with China at a challenging moment.